This movie is based on a 2006 novel of the same name, produced by Daniel Woodrell. This movie is scripted and directed by Debra Granik. The protagonist runs to find the whereabouts of her father, without whom her house will go to the bank.

PLOT: Jennifer Lawrence takes care of her poverty-stricken family, that has herself, along with her mother and her siblings. Lawrence's father is out on bail, who was arrested in the case of supplying Meth. Garret Dillahunt, the sheriff, informs her that if her father did not turn up, their house and land would be taken by the bank. So Lawrence goes in search of her father, along with John Hawkes, her uncle. She gets to know that her father was murdered. When she informs this to the sheriff, he asks for a proof that he is dead, and also give her a week's time to vacate. Will she be able to arrange for the proof?

ANALYSIS: The director succeeds in giving us an authentic movie. She gives a perfect character sketch for each role. She successfully made a movie that looks so realistic, almost in all views. She made the artists live their characters. For the realistic feel, she also chose some local people for her cast. Ashley Thompson, the younger sister of the protagonist, is a girl who lived in the house where the movie was shot.

STAR PERFORMANCE: Jeniffer Lawrence gave a rough and tough performance. She lived with the character. She showed that she could face any hurdles, without exhibiting her weakness. She expressed many volatile reactions beautifully; that may make her become a nominee for Academy Awards. John Hawkes gave a decent performance as Lawrence's uncle. He portrayed his character, who wants to know about his brother's death, and is also worried about getting died in the same way.

WHAT'S THERE? Michael McDonough's cinematography is something to be appreciated. Though the life of the protagonist and her family is destitute, he clearly gets into their world and captured their joy and happiness. The suspense and turns towards the end of the movie are unexpected. They turned out to be hugely appreciated scenes of the movie.

WHAT'S NOT THERE? The clarity in the narration seemed to be missing. Few of the characters mumbled their dialogues, which went incomprehensible.